Author's Note: Talk about life interfering with art! My monitor went south and I had to get a new one. I bought it off ebay and it took forever to get here. So, sorry I haven't been updating. I have been writing. I handwrote chapters in both my stories. So, here it is a little late.
Chapter 8: Happiness is Moments
Maura couldn't believe her eyes; the young Texan was standing at her gate with her gun pointed at the Constable. The young heiress knew she had to act quickly and said, "Jane put that pistol away. I am so sorry Constable, but my friend is new to this country and is not familiar with our law. If you do not mind, let me take care of educating her. I assure you that she will not carry her firearms in town. Please come in Constable and have dinner with us."
The honey blonde Lady stood in place as Hugh led the still stunned Constable to the kitchens, where he would be treated like nobility. The large bodyguard knew what his Lady wanted and he would insure the staff gave it to her. By the time the good Constable left Isles Manor, he would have forgotten his indignity at the hands of the wild American.
Jane walked through the gate smiling at her long absent friend as she holstered her Le Mat. Her insecurity began to make her falter as she neared her favorite person in the world. Would the young Lady be upset with her for intruding? Had the tall Texan misinterpreted the letters and gifts? Would the dark teenager be welcome or run out with by a garden hoe?
Lady Isles stood rooted in her spot about twenty steps from the gate. As the lovely curly haired brunette approached, the Lady's insecurities surfaced and she was totally unsure of what to do. Would the dark beauty rebuff her for her forward letters? Would the one person in the world she needed cast her aside? Had life given her a gift only to take it away?
Suddenly, as if a bell chimed to mark the moment, the two young women bolted to each other's arms to embrace each other and never let go. Jane held her honey blonde friend tightly as she whispered, "I heared about y'all's paw and come as fast as I could. I'm so surry. I liked that old man. He war aces in my book."
Maura cried into the warm chest of this wonderful soul, who only she understood. Everyone saw the rough tough Indian fighter and plainswoman, woven from the fabric of her time and hostile environment. What everyone did not see was the tender and warm person underneath; the person that would protect anyone unable to protect themselves; the person that would travel thousands of miles to comfort a friend who had lost her father. No one saw the depth of emotion that roared beneath the stoic brunette's icy surface. Everyone saw the warning signs and not the need for people to ignore them.
The concerned Texan saw felt the tear and sobbing and released her grip and asked, "Am I hurtin y'all? I sometimes don't know my own strength."
The young heiress nearly laughed as she said, "Let us not be silly. I am crying for joy at seeing you. You would never hurt me. I am just so happy to see you. For you to travel so long and so far just to comfort me brings on the most joy I have ever felt and the emotions that invokes are what is making me cry. I am so glad to see you. You have no idea how glad I am to see you. You do know I love you."
The tall brunette used two fingers to raise the head of the smaller young woman so she could look into her eyes as she said, "I'd've come further if need be. I ain't good with words laik y'all is. But I's good at doin. I war ahopin I war ashowin y'all how much I love y'all."
At that moment, the golden heiress reached behind the brunette locks of the tall Texan and brought her tender lips to her own. The moment was perfect.
***SE***
The dynamic kiss was too much for either teenager. Neither young woman had ever felt such emotions. The two broke their embrace and looked into each other's eyes to determine each other's real feelings. Both young women knew what they were feeling was real, was perfect. With the magic moment passed the young couple moved apart still not wanting the world to intrude on their moment.
However, time had the nasty habit of moving onward and Maura could sense that the moment had already passed. With nothing better to say, the honey blonde heiress inquired, "Would you like to meet my mother?"
The smiling American replied, "Why shore! I'd love to meet y'all's maw. Y'all ain't mad at me fer comin?"
The shocked noblewoman was totally confounded, after that kiss how could this puzzling Texan think she would not want her here. Lady Maura took Jane by her arm and led her toward the stately manor house. As they walked the frustrated English Lady said, "Jane, you are more than welcome here anytime and in case my greeting was not clear enough, I want you here."
The mismatched pair walked to the main house with the young heiress's arms locked firmly around the tough brunette's strong right arm. The loquacious noblewoman shattered, "You must tell me all about your trip and how your family is doing. How are your father and mother? I so liked your father; he is such a dear. The man growls a lot, but he really is just a big old toothless bear."
The laughing Texan had to interrupt, "I don't think my Pa, would take kindly to be called 'toothless.' He likes to think of hisself as bein as ornery as a grizzly and just as deadly. My brothers ere givin Ma all she kin handle. Frankie's agonna on four and Tommy's about three."
To change the subject and get away from her life, the wild American asked, "I heared y'all got some trouble wit y'all's hired hep. Iffin y'all like I could hep y'all wit it. I kin whop a few heads and make 'em toe the mark."
Lady Maura brightened at the prospect of the hard-nosed Texas cowhand bashing down her troublesome directors. So the young heiress responded, "Jane, you brighten my day. I will certainly call upon your help. I can use all the help I can get. However, I'm sure you are exhausted from your long journey. So why don't we talk to my mother and then I can show you to your room!
***SE***
Lady Constance Isles was reading her latest periodical called Household Words, a weekly journal by the renowned Charles Dickens reclining on the chaise in her sitting room adjacent to her bedroom. The statuesque noblewoman was enthralled in her reading, when it was interrupted by a discrete knock on her chamber door.
The stately brunette had obviously been expecting someone else as she answered, "Gina, come in I'm not entertaining anyone. I would so like some company."
The older Lady's daughter looked in through the slightly open door and said, "It is I, Mother. I have a surprise. You do remember my telling you about my friend Jane?"
The older woman adjusted her lounging gown and replied, "Why yes, I do remember how infatuated you are with her correspondence. Has more mail come from America?"
The happy heiress responded, "Yes, Mother and more."
The smiling teenager opened the door widely and announced, "I would like to introduce to you, my friend and fellow correspondent, Jane Clementine Rizzoli of Texas."
The startled noblewoman watched as a tall young woman with curly black hair wearing buckskins and carrying several firearms and other weapons entered the room. Lady Constance scanned the dark teenager with an appraising eye. The youngster stood almost six feet tall and was lean and muscled.
The wild Texan wore fringed brown buckskin pants which belled over tall boots with two inch heels and spurs. Her figure was hidden by the large long-sleeved fringed buckskin tunic that covered her from her neck to the middle of her thigh. The young woman carried a large round brim black hat with brass studs.
However, the most striking of her features were her large chocolate brown eyes that held an age much older than teenage years. This dark American's eyes had seen things that had hardened this young woman to tempered edge. The hard-bitten teen had a gun belt with a holster at each hip and one at her belt buckle, each holster housed a pistol. Two bandoleers of bullets exed across her chest with a shoulder holster housing a pistol dangled under each arm.
Where the two bandoliers crossed hung a large sheath that house a knife with a large bone handle. The other obvious weapon was the tomahawk that swung from her belt. If there ever was a woman designed for battle, the Lady had just seen her.
The fine Lady quickly recovered her wits and as she rose from her chaise, the polite Ladyship said, "I'm so happy to meet you. I have heard so many fine things about you. You have no more ardent admirer than my daughter and my late-husband spoke so fondly of you. I can say you were the last person I expected through my door today. However, no one is more welcome."
The normally outgoing Texan was at a loss as she blushed in embarrassment. Unfamiliar with the graces of English nobility, the rough American reached out her hand to be shaken. The English Lady unfamiliar with the nuances of Texas etiquette placed her fingertips upon the tall brunette coarse hand. Proper English etiquette would be for the young lady to place her thumb over the noblewoman's fingers and curtsy. The Italian-American teenager didn't know this. So the inexperienced courtier grabbed the elegant woman's soft hand and shook it in a manly fashion.
Lady Constance felt like her hand was in a vise and as she had never shaken a hand before, the tender woman didn't know to squeeze back to lessen the pressure. Her only reaction was to flinch in pain. The insightful American saw the pain in the graceful Lady's face and pulled her hand back saying, "I'm sore sorry. I dint mean to hurt y'all. Sometimes I don't knows my own strength."
Not wanting to hurt the young woman's feelings and confident in the teenager's apology, the young mother replied, "I am sorry as well. I thought you knew how to greet properly. Maura, please show our guest the proper response, so as not to embarrass her in the future."
The stylish noblewoman held out her hand to her daughter, who took the hand placed her thumb over the fingers and curtsied very properly. This elicited a very odd response from the rough Texan, she laughed. Jane laughed the laugh of the totally amused. The amused American's head tilted back and a belly laugh erupted from deep inside her, as she coughed, "I ain't adoin no such thin. Ma'am I'm rat respectful, but I ain't about to bow and scrap to nobody. Iffin I war to do that I'd be pure ashamed of myself."
Now absolutely confused and appalled at the poor manners of this heathen, the good Lady responded, "Young woman, you must learn better manners. You must learn to respect those of higher station. Maura, until such time as your friend learns proper respect for my dignity, I want her elsewhere."
The young noblewoman was devastated by the catastrophe that had occurred. Lady Maura knew the independent nature of her American friend and that the wild Texan would defend her pride with a fierceness that her mother would never understand. The honey blonde heiress desperately tried to salvage the situation by saying, "Mother, my friend is an American. There are no titles in America and though they may treat us with respect, Americans will never treat nobility with difference. Jane was not insulting you. Her handshake was a typical American greeting and her laughter was that of the innocent. Our customs were as humorous to her as hers is to us. Now, please welcome my friend. I beg you. She is very important to me."
Jane interrupted, "Ma'am, I meant no disrespect. I dint knowed twere so important to y'all."
The tough Texan took the Lady's fingers gently with thumb and forefinger and bowed politely. The bow was simple, but heartfelt. Jane caught Lady Maura's eyes and winked. The elegant mother smiled at this compromise and saw the relief in her daughter's face. Combining that look with her daughter's plead made the graceful noblewoman realize her child was in love. Her lovely daughter was in love with a rough cowgirl from Texas. Lady Constance was suddenly very concerned and requested, "Thank you, Jane. I am very appalled at my lack of manners. You have travelled all the way from Texas and must be very tired and feeling very dirty."
Noticing Gina and her daughters in the hallway, the well-manner Lady ordered, "Gina, could you have one of your daughters show our guest to the room adjoining Lady Maura's suite. Have her a bath drawn and send up something from the kitchen. Jane, could you accompany Gina and her girls? Maura will join you presently. I need to discuss some business matters before dinner."
The confused Texan unsure as how to respond to the sudden turn of events, shrugged her shoulders and drawled, "Shore, I needs a bath anywho."
Gina and her daughters curtsied to the young woman and the two teenage maids led the tall Texan off to her quarters. Gina stayed behind sensing her lover needed some moral support. Lady Constance noted her longtime lover's reaction and requested, "Maura, could I speak to you privately. Gina, I know you are concerned, but I assure you that I can handle this situation on my own."
The Lady Maura shook her head and said, "No Mother, I think in this case your lover should be present when you chastise me for having feelings for another woman. I think your female lover of long standing should know how you feel about Sapphics.
Mother, have I ever condemned you for your feelings toward another woman and a servant. Do you think your affair is a secret in our circles? Did you think Father never knew?
I can tell you honestly. Father knew and he never begrudged you the happiness that Gina afforded you. He understood how you felt and knew that you married him out of necessity not love. As for our social circle, everyone knows. They laugh behind your back, while smiling to your face. However, the laughter is not your lover's sex, but at her class. They think it appalling that a Lady of your grace and stature should have a servant as a lover.
As for myself, I applaud your happiness. Happiness is not an abundant commodity. Happiness is moments, not spans of time. Happiness is there and then it is gone, just a memory that one can cherish for a lifetime. When one looks back on one's life, one realizes one only remembers the happy moments and relishes them. I want some of those moments, Mother. Jane gives me those precious moments. Do you begrudge me that?"
Shame crossed the gracious Lady's face as she realized many things. The statuesque brunette looked to her lifelong lover with tears of regret running down her face. The stylish noblewoman asked her love, "Gina, did you know about the gossip?"
The lovely servant nodded her knowledge and sobbed. The elegant Lady asked, "Gina, are you ashamed of us?"
The shocked Frenchwoman ran to her lover and cast herself into her arms and said without any reservation, "Jamais, je t'aime de tout mon coeur et âme." Never, I love you with all my heart and soul.
The great Lady tilted her lovers head up and they met in a passionate kiss and all of Lady Constance's objections melted away. However, there was one more reservation the loving mother must express. So when there loving kiss ceased, the noble woman asked, "What about a husband Maura? Surely, one day you will marry and have children."
The intelligent young woman answered, "Mother, I never intended to marry. Were I to marry any husband would by law become my Lord. I would lose all my power and influence. I can never marry as the laws exist today. I can adopt as you and father did. Again, did you think me ignorant in my parentage? I have known for years that I am adopted. Servants gossip, Mother. I do not know and am uninterested in who my biological parents are. You and Father are all the parents I have ever known and will ever need. For the second time today, I must state that which must be obvious. I love you, Mother. I love you as any daughter loves her mother."
With that said, the dignified young Lady turned and left her mother to find some new moments of her own.
***SE***
Jane followed the two young teens in their maid costumes to a large room filled with odd furniture and large paintings. The tired Texan said, "Could y'all show me war I'm asleepin, cause I'm pure dee tuckered out?"
Georgina replied as she pointed to a doorway across the room, "Mademoiselle, your bedroom is through that door. This is your sitting room. A bath will be here shortly. Your trunk is in your bedroom. If you wish anything; pull that cord by the fireplace and either Bridgette or myself will come to help you. Will you require assistance with your bath?"
The indignant Texan frowned, "I shorely don't need no help bathin. I've been abathin sinct I war three, but I thank y'all kindly fer askin."
As if on cue, a friendly and well-known face came into the room carrying a copper tub and four women followed him, each carrying two barrels of hot water. The two French maids disappeared into the bedroom for a moment and returned with the heavy trunk, two fragrant bars of soap, a scrub brush and two large towels. They placed the items on a small table next to the bath of scalding water and asked, "Would mademoiselle like to have her back scrubbed?"
The shy American blushed as she answered, "Like I said, I warsh myself. Now, y'all skidattle whilst I warsh up."
All the servants left. Hugh bowed with a smirk and laughed heartily as he retreated from the room. The veteran bodyguard was going to find this visit by the rugged American very amusing. The tender hearted man also knew his Lady needed this young woman more than anything she ever needed in her young life. The tough protector had seen the loneliness his charge had suffered over the years and knew that this outrageous Texan could cure it.
After the door was closed, the tall brunette started removing her clothes. Suddenly remembering where she was, the hardy huntress went to her trunk and removed the evening gown, frilly underwear, petticoats, stockings and fancy shoes, but she refused to wear that corset and bustle. The tall Texan loved the honey blonde noblewoman, but in good conscious she could only go so far.
After laying out her change of clothes on the chaise, the now naked brunette eased herself into the steaming cauldron. With a deep sigh, the now relaxed teenager started the process of scrubbing four months of travel off her lithe body. At that moment the door opposite her bedroom door opened. Jane called out, "I told y'all I dint need no hep."
A familiar voice replied, "You never told me any such thing."
One word crossed the suddenly helpless Texan, "Maura."
***SE***
The honey blonde teenager asked shyly, "Do you need me to scrub your back?"
The naked Texan was taken by surprise and was really intrigued by the notion, but was too shy for such intimacy just yet. So the robust youth replied, "I think I kin handle this part, but I'm agonna ta need hep putting on all those frilly thangs."
The younger teen walked to where the deeply tanned brunette was bathing and suggested, "I could scrub your back much better than you can do on your own. I have had maids scrubbing my back since I can remember. I would so dearly love to scrub that gorgeous back of yours."
The young American was having feeling deep in her womb that she had never had before. The rough and tumble huntress suddenly felt like prey and her body was telling her to accept the offer. However, the tall Italian-American was too confused to answer either way. When the honey blonde arrived, she snatched the brush from her dark friend's hand and started rubbing scented soap into it.
Slowly the younger teen gently scrubbed the tanned young woman's back. A small almost purr escaped the confused Texan's lips. The tough huntress knew that this could go no further, but the lonely lady couldn't say no to anything this English noblewoman asked of her. The wild American had always been a free spirit, but now she was completely under this tender innocent's control and for the life of her Jane didn't understand why.
The nipples of her taunt firm breast hardened and grew. The independent Texan's breath became a pant and her flesh became hot and wanton. The itch between her legs became a scream for more sensation. The turmoil in her mind was conflicting with the certainty of her body.
The rhythm motion and sensation of the soft bristles on her skin was muddling Jane's thoughts and if the young woman didn't do something soon there would be no turning back. As quick as a rattler the bewildered American seized the brush and said, "I think my back be clean."
It was then that the mystified teenager noticed the red flush complexion of the honey blonde. The embarrassed cowhand knew that the young heiress had felt the attraction as well. Furthermore, the untamed huntress knew that the innocent English Lady was just as confused and unsure as she was; when the honey blonde said, "You are correct. I have to change for dinner. I will send Bridgette in to assist you in dressing."
The suddenly uncomfortable teenager scrambled from the room. The youthful noblewoman had never felt such powerful emotions nor had her body ever had such a reaction. Lady Maura Isles now knew what it was like to have desire and passion, which was a new experience for both the young women.
***SE***
Lady Maura had a surprise waiting for her when she arrived in the dining room for dinner. Gina was sitting at Mother's right hand in a very elegant evening gown of pink with rose trim. It was very becoming on her. On my mother's left, sat Georgina dressed in one of the gown I given her and next to her sat Bridgette, equal clothed in one of her older gowns. The two sisters had many of her old gowns, as the wealthy noblewoman made it a practice never to dress in the same gown twice.
Lady Constance interpreted the bewilderment on her daughter's face and said, "Maura, I took your words to heart. You were so correct in your assessment. I have treated someone I love very dearly as a servant. I mean to remedy that oversight by making her part of our family.
You will sit in your father's place at the head of the table, as befits the rightful heir to Swansea and have I placed my new family about me. I hope you will take Georgina and Bridgette into your heart as sisters should.
Additionally, you were also correct about your assessment of happiness and if this young woman can provide you with a lifetime of moments then she should be by you as well. Therefore, I took the liberty of assigning her the seat to your right. I hope these arrangements meet your approval."
The emotional heiress was overcome with happiness. For years, the honey blonde Lady had felt the injustice of her two lifelong friends being her servants. Now that they could be called 'sister' felt so right. Too overwhelmed by the passion of the moment, the young teenager ran to her mother and hugged her deeply with tears running down her cheek.
Subsequently, the bright noblewoman went to Gina and hugged her and asked, "Do you mind if I call you Mother Gina?"
The words meant so much to Frenchwoman that she could hardly speak. With tears streaming down her face, she answered simply, "Oui."
After that Lady Maura went to each of her new 'sisters' and hugged them calling them each sister. While the tearful teenager was wiping tears from her eyes and walking to the head of the table, a vision in green and gold strode boldly into the room. Years of riding, roping and hunting had made the tough Texan's walk light, silent and manly. Whatever her bearing, her beauty was extraordinary. Her long curly raven hair framed her tanned face and highlighted her soft chocolate eyes.
The sleek slinky figure was obvious in the form fitting dress. Her height and natural grace gave her the look of a thoroughbred. There was no denying that the young woman striding into the dining room was a vision of beauty. Lady Maura stopped in her tracks and gazed longingly on the lovely apparition before her. It was Lady Constance who broke the silence when she said, "My dear, you clean up magnificently. You are by far the most beautiful creature that America has ever produced. Please come in and dine with us. You will sit on Maura's right."
There were twenty-six chairs situated around the table. Of which only six would be occupied. This arrangement seemed wasteful to the thrifty Texan, who had always had to use everything until it could no longer be used. The younger Lady was awoken from her slumber by her mother's words and started again toward her seat.
Jane having been told she would be sitting by her lovely friend strode in direction. As the uncomfortable American moved in the direction of her seat, she asked, "Who ere the other chars fer?"
The seated Lady laughed and replied, "No one, dear. They are for company, should they arrive. This is the family dining room. The formal dining room has a larger table that seats seventy-four, normally and can be expanded to seat one-hundred and two. It is reserved for parties and formal dinners."
The number of chairs was staggering to untamed Texan, whose town of Dallas numbered just a bit more than that. Except for her time in Washington, the lonely huntress had never seen that number of people in one place. Jane shyly asked, "Ma'am why dontcha'll come down ta this end, soin we don't has to holler cross the room? Or weins'd sally on down to y'all, either way makes mo' sense then havin two sets of people on end tuther."
The younger noblewoman stopped three steps from her chair; thought for a moment and walked around her waiting seat to go sit beside Gina. Gina seeing what was happening moved the other side of the table to sit by her daughters. The two daughters seeing what Gina was doing moved over one seat. As the honey blonde Lady passed her friend, she took her hand to lead her to a seat beside her.
When everyone was seated comfortably, the Deville family sat to the left of Lady Constance with Maura and Jane sitting to her right. Jane smiled as she commented, "Now, ain't this here better then palabering cross the room?"
***SE***
The dinner went so smoothly. At first the servants were shocked at the lack of formality of the meal, but soon compensated for it. Jane had a couple of problems with all the silverware. There seemed to a fork or spoon for each course served. Again, the tough Texans had been raised in a society where having a knife, fork and spoon was luxury. Fortunately the silverware was arranged in such a manner, that one had only to start at the outside of the arrangement and work your way inward toward your plate.
After each course, the hungry American would ask for a second portion. After six courses, the amazed mother asked, "Child, where are you putting all that food? You are so slender and yet you eat like a starved sailor."
Jane smiled her famous Rizzoli smile and replied, "Ma'am, war I comes from, y'all eats tils y'all busts cause y'all mighten have anything to eat tomorry."
The Deville mother laughed, "I know of such worry, Lady Constance. I too have had times when meals were scarce. Habits of a lifetime are hard to break, Milady."
The older noblewoman smiled genuinely at her lover and responded, "Now, when we are together informally like this I will have you call me Constance as you do in private. So please think of us as family in such settings. As for you young lady, as long as you are staying with us food will be in abundance, so there will be no need for you to store away meals for lean times."
The black Texan chuckled as she answered, "Wal, ma'am, I'm just aeatin good grub. Iffin I war really eatin like no tomorry than I'd done et mo."
Lady Maura, who had been taking a drink of wine, nearly choking as she chuckled in the middle of swallowing. Coughing lightly into her napkin caused the tall American to get up from her seat to tap lightly on her friend's back. Appalled servants dashed to their Lady's rescue, only to be repulsed by a single glare from the dangerous-looking young woman in the silk gown that barely concealed the caged violence under the fine clothing.
Lady Maura knew if her servants had made a move toward either of them in any kind of threatening manner, the ever ready for battle Texan would hurt them. So to disarm the situation and demonstrate the danger her house guest posed to the unwary, the crafty noblewoman waved off her friend and proclaimed, "I am fine, Jane. You may return o your seat."
The ever-observant heiress did not fail to notice the glaring exchange between her violent friend and her faithful staff. The only one out not to react was her body guard, Hugh, because he knew Jane well and understood the depth of her feelings for the honey blonde teenager. To stress the danger the unpredictable American posed, the intelligent younger Lady asked, "Jane, how many weapons are you carrying at this very moment?"
The wary warrior swallowed a bite of pheasant then answered frankly and innocently, "Eight."
A shocked older Lady inquired, "Eight? Where can you possibly be concealing so many weapons while dress in that gown."
The smirking Texan replied as if the answer to the question was obvious, "Why ma'am this getup's easy to hide weapons in. Thar's so much extry room. I'm acarryin my gun belt around my waist with its three Le Mats. I cut slits in the sides of my gown so's to draw my pistols. These puffed sleeves are hidin my two sleeve guns. I have another pepper pot in my purse. I gots a toothpick at my back collar by the middle of my neck and I gots another knife in my right boot. I'd arm mo, but I dint think it necessary seeing how I was jest comin to dinner.
The four women opposite them, who were unfamiliar with the violence of the Western United States were shocked and Gina asked, "Why do you go armed like that, where there are no wild Indians her?"
Jane shook her head in pity and replied, "Ma'am, there mightent be no Comanche, but there are always Injuns. Otherwise, why would you need the big guys over there?"
***SE***
The next morning Lady Maura had a meeting with the bank investors at 10 am in their offices in Swansea. Hugh led the way through the crowded streets, clearing a wide path for his Lady and her friend.
When the small party arrived at the bank, there were kept waiting. Finally at 10:50, Jane had had enough. The bad tempered Texan walked past the stunned receptionist and into the bank's large comfortable office, yelling, "Mister, Lady Maura ain't awaitin anymo. She'll be agonna home now and lookin fer a new bank."
The heavy-set older man shouted, "Excuse me, but might you be?"
The tall Texan just gave the man her best smile and said, "Mister, I ain't nobody, but y'all ain't gonna've the Isles bidness anymo."
A second thinner older man excitedly responded, "Why would the Isles family remove their business? We were just trying to discuss terms with one another before taking up any more of the good Lady's time."
The smirking brunette shook her head from side to side with a heavy sigh and explained, "No, y'all wernt. Y'all figgered that wit a young teenager y'all jest had to wat her out and git better terms. Y'all figgered iffin y'all made her wat, she'd git impatient and come to y'all's terms. I's seen y'all's kind afore, when sellin cattle. The buyers sets on his money ahopin the seller gits antsy and sells fer less. Wal tain't gonna work, cause Lady Maura's patient, but I ain't so's we ain't wating anymo. Good luck ta y'all."
Then the oldest frailest man the dark teenager had ever seen asked, "What do you want, girl?"
Having baited the trap and let it crash on their heads the sneering American replied, "First off, Mister, I ain't been a girl since I kilt me a buffalo. Second, I don't wont anything. Y'all does. Now, the question is how much y'all wont it?"
The tiny delicate old man chuckled, "Nice trap. Okay, we will cede interest for the first six months in order to compensate Lady Isles for her inconvenience. Will that satisfy her Ladyship?"
The savvy businesswoman answered, "I'll axe her."
As the brunette hunter left the room with her scalps in hand, she heard the fragile older gentleman say to someone, "Benny, you're a good grandson, but you're fired. It was you play, so you have to fall on your sword for it. In six months, I'll reconsider."
***SE***
Lady Maura was getting impatient, but the cagy businesswoman knew she could not show any weakness. So the party of three sat and waited. The longer they waited the more angry the honey blonde noblewoman was getting. The young teenager knew they would have never tried this stupid stunt with her father. What made even more galling was they were trying it because they saw a young female as a weak person. Well, they were going to find out they were wrong.
The honey blonde businesswoman knew she couldn't do anything to speed this along; she was going to have to wait them out, even if it took well into the night. At that moment, Jane bolted from her seat and stormed past the bewilder clerk and into the banker's office.
The hot tempered Texan was only in the room a few minutes, when she returned with good news. For her inconvenience, the bank was ceded the first six months of interest on the three new ships. The concession was going to save Isles Shipping thousands of pounds.
The young Lady rose from her seat and walked gracefully and confidently into the bank manager's office. There were only two men in the room now and the older of the two said, "Have a seat, young ladies."
The two young women sat gracefully into the offered seats, while Hugh stood menacing at the door. The giant bodyguard knew he was superfluous today. Jane was a better bodyguard than ten of Big Hugh and Hugh knew it. He also knew that no one would take Jane seriously as a bodyguard, until she had beaten someone to a pulp or dead, but with a huge man standing behind them they would be taken seriously.
The junior of the two men explained the new terms and awaited the young heiress's answer, "I do not know if we can continue our association. It is not that I am insulted by your treatment. I know it was just business. However, it bothers me immensely that you think I am stupid. I do not know if my honor allows me to accept your kind proposal after such a clumsy attempt at influencing me."
The older gentleman responded, "I assure you that what is past is past. I suggest we have an early luncheon and discuss some additional concessions and maybe some future business."
The smiling Lady declared, "I would love a meal and what new business do you wish to discuss?"
The elderly banker answered, "Why don't we discuss that while we dine?
The brilliant blonde businesswoman replied, "I think we need to talk about this new business before we dine. Let me tell you what your new business idea is. You want me to set up a new account with your bank with funds from the three new ships plus the trading accounts in Swansea."
The wisp of a man nodded to himself and proclaimed, "I seemed to have underestimated you. I can cede much for such an arrangement."
Jane interrupted, "I'd betcha could. That deal'd netcha wat maybe thirty thousand of y'all's pounds a month? Yeah, I knows wat a ship of cargo'd bring a month, cause I jest sells the food and makes nine thousand American dollars. So's I figger a loaded ship brings at least twenty times that. Watch means one ship makes about thirty-six thousands pounds. Three ships for a three month trip nets y'all wat three thousand pounds. Then y'all's gotsta figger that the trade from this here port makes ten times that or thirty thousand pounds. Y'all haveta rally do somethin nice to git that deal. Maura, y'all wonta go. I'll buy y'all some lunch and weins kin look fer a new bank tomorry."
Lady Maura smiled, "Jane, you are quite close in your estimates. To be precise, however, the exact amount is forty-two thousand pounds per ship and the trap through Swansea is five hundred and ten pounds, which would net these gentlemen forty-six thousand pounds. Jane, dear, what would you think a good deal for me would be?"
The calculating Texan pretended to think for a moment and answered, "Wal, I'm not ral up on English deals, but iffin war me. I'd wont em ta finance those ships wit no interest. I'd wont the bank ta pay seven and half percent interest on all funds kept in thar bank. That'd clear em six thousand a month witout any risk on thar part."
The sly noblewoman lean forward and suggested, "I think I can live with seven, which will yield them nine thousands a month. Will you gentlemen write up the contracts to reflect this deal?"
The elderly banker sighed and nodded, "I'll have the papers ready to sign by the close of business."
The angry heiress snapped, "You will have the papers ready to sign by the time I get back from luncheon. Otherwise I will find another bank with which to do business. Am I clear?"
Both bankers nodded their acceptance, but before the young teenager left, she said, "If you gentlemen ever try another stunt like this morning, then I will buy this bank and fire all of you."
With that the two young women left the field of battle with a total victory.
***SE***
The two young women entered the tavern with their large shadow trailing behind. Jane in her elegant dress still didn't quite understand his purpose. Were the streets of Swansea so dangerous that the young noblewoman needed a omnipresent bodyguard? In West Texas, if any man even looked at a good woman wrong the town would hang him.
Besides no one was going to attack Maura as long as the tough Texan was breathing. It wasn't that Hugh wasn't a good man to have around in a fight, but it was hard talking with her new friend with the ever present shadow standing vigil and Jane really needed to talk to the young blonde about what she was feeling.
The gifted heiress hadn't felt the huge bodyguard's presence in years and didn't even notice his existence much anymore. It wasn't that the honey blonde teenager was callous about the older man; it was a matter of self-preservation. England in the middle nineteenth century was filled with cutthroats and thieves and his presence was necessary for her protection, but his continuous company would be disturbing if she were constantly marking his whereabouts.
Hugh was not happy with the choice of eating establishments. Sure, everyone who was asked said that this tavern/inn had the best food in the district, but it was frequented by some ruffians. Though it had a backroom area for woman and children, the women who ate here were of the lower caste, clerks, saleswomen, textile workers, et cetera. These were working women, who either didn't have the facilities to cook or the time to cook as they were working twelve to sixteen hours a day.
Though these women themselves were just good women trying to get something to eat, the men they attracted could be troublesome. Had not Jane Rizzoli been accompanying them, the cautious bodyguard would have voiced his concern, but the truth of the situation was that the wild Texan was the most dangerous person in the place.
A buxom young woman of Jane's age rushed to greet the strange party and said, "Miladies, you be too fine of ladies to soil yourselves in sitch a place as this. The lot here be rough and loud."
Lady Maura answered with a smile, "I am Lady Isles and this tavern is part of my fief. Please inform the owner, we would like his finest sweet meats, fruits, bread and cheese. My friend would like a pint of ale and I would like a nice port.
The mention of the Lady's title and name filled the innkeeper's daughter with more concern. Such personage was easily offended in her youthful experience. The fineness of their dresses confirmed their identity more than the Lady's words, which caused the young woman even more discomfort. The youth rushed to the best table in the family dining area and cleaned the table and chairs, so as not to soil their fine dresses.
As the group arrived at their designated table the nervous teenager offered, "I'll go git me Paw and git ya order. Please call out iffin ya need anythin."
The regal blonde replied with a nod and responded, "That is a good girl."
Jane interrupted, "Wait! Wat bout Hugh? Ain't y'all gittin him any grub? I think Hugh could use a beer and some food."
Maura was embarrassed; she had forgotten about her constant companion. Thinking back, the honey blonde had always taken his presence for granted. It wasn't in the tender teen's nature to treat people as non-existent, especially people she had grown to like, maybe even love.
Hugh saw the torment in his Lady's hazel eyes and said, "Miss Jane, I'm not insulted. I'm of low station and it ain't fittin fer me to eat with you ladies."
This comment made the young heiress feel even worse. A man the young noblewoman had come to consider family felt beneath her notice. Lady Maura ordered, "Bring my man a pint and a meat pie. Hugh, I am so sorry I have taken you for granted. I have come to think of you as a beloved uncle and I cannot bear to think of the injustice I have wrought upon you."
Hugh was touched by the sentiment. For in fact, he had come to think of his young charge as the daughter he would never have. So, the dark bodyguard reminded the Lady of a day some time back, "Lady Maura, I'm your man, not cause ya pay me, but cause of what a young girl did to save me frem meself.
Miss Jane, once wan the Lady war jest a wee lass, I gots into trouble that could've landed me in Newgate. Not only'd she keep me from prisen, but she hid it frem her father, so he wouldn't dismiss me. So my Lady may forget I'm around, but that's as it should be, cause it's me job to protect her witout interferrin. I kint do that iffin she's always alookin to see iffin I'm offended."
Jane replied, "That may be so, but seems to me, iffin a body starts takin thar friends fer granted than they's agonna fergit thar humanness. Me I'd rather not fergit my friends; they ain't easy to come by.
***SE***
The food was surprisingly good. The cheeses were sharp and fresh as were the apples, pears and grapes. The ale was heady and stout. The port was fruity and tart. The sweet meats were aromatic and flavorful and the meat pies were packed with meat and vegetables with light and flaky crusts. All and all it was a great meal.
The trio were satisfied and ready to pay their bill, when there fine waitress came with a very worried and harried look on her fair young face. Jane knew this look and had seen before many times and asked, "Who's acomin and how much time we got afore thay git chere?"
The terrified young girl replied, "I don't know whatche mean, Milady. Do ya wont another pint?"
The savvy Texan knew the look, someone or something was coming and this bar girl wanted no part of what was going to happen. So, the wild American took the table knife and grabbed the girl's arm and said, "Gal, I don't gots all day, chere. Now, y'all agonna tell me. The question be how much I haveta hurtcha afore y'all tells me."
The young barmaid turned pale in her fear. The frail youngster struggled vainly against the firm grip that had vised her arm. Finally, the pale brunette stammered out in desperation, "Please, Milady, let me and mine be. A man has my father and mother and wilt kill 'em iffin I don't do as they say."
A hard voice responded, "Gally, I will cut off y'all's purdy hand, iffin y'all don't tell wat is agonna happen and when."
The last of the color in the waitress's face drained as she murmured, "A man came and told me to keep ya har til his men gets har to take the Lady captive. Tha plan to keel ya two and take the Lady. That's alls I knows. Please, hep us. We be po folk who want no trouble."
Jane looked to Hugh and said, "Let's finish this fine beer and git ready."
The dark American gulp down the last of the ale and stood, while still holding her grip on the child's arm. The hardened warrior looked deadly into the frightened brunette's grey eyes and demanded, "Hep me out of this blame dress and than hide ore yonder agin the wall."
Hugh gathered his Lady and moved her into a far corner of the room into a chair hidden behind an overturned table. The veteran warrior winked at her honey blonde friend and reassured her, "Ain't nuttin to wary about. I jest don't wont to mess my new dress none."
In nothing but her undergarments, but free from restriction, the longtime Indian fighter pulled out her two Arkansas toothpicks and readied herself for the fight. Not for the first time today, the volatile Texas wished she could have brought at least one of her pistol, but Maura had been adamant that she leave all her firearms in her room. English law was very strict in its gun laws. So, the young fighter had only brought her two toothpicks and two kitchen knives borrowed from the Isles kitchen.
The two brawlers didn't have to wait long, six burly men in sailor attire rushed into the dining area only to stop short when they were greeted by a big man with brass knuckles and a large knife and a tall half naked girl wielding two large dangerous looking knives. Both warriors looked confident in their stance and deadly in their stares.
With a backhand flip of the knife in her left hand, Jane skewered the closest bullyboy in the throat and said, "Now, that opens the ball, let's dance to the fiddler.
Taking the long cheese encrusted knife from the table, the tall Texan charged the five remaining ruffians brandishing her two weapons. With a Indian cry, a whoop and a holler, Jane parried the first man's clumsy attempt with one knife, while slicing his Adam's apple with the other.
Hugh not to be out done caught another hooligan's knife with his and smashed his nose with the brass knuckles. The man's face exploded in blood as his jaw unhinged and his teeth shattered as well as his nose. By dropping his guard in the pain, he allowed the dark fighter to spit his groin.
Meanwhile, Jane had followed her slice of the first bully with a kick to the groin of his mate to her left. The man doubled over in pain, only to have that pain end when the cheesy knife impaled the back of his skull. While releasing her hold of the impaled knife, the agile brunette leaped the back of the collapsing corpse to scissor kick the man to her victim's right.
The stunned fighter felt one hard boot and then another smash into his face. Still staggered by the kicks, the man didn't see the delicate rock hard fist uppercut her falling head. Barely conscious, the man never saw the hilt of the wild Texan's knife connect with the side of his head.
In the interim Hugh had dove for the last attacker driving his broad shoulder into the man's solar plexus. The experience bodyguard drove his head upward contacting the man's chin forcing his head back. With his neck exposed the expert fighter jabbed his knife into the exposed flesh under the man's chin and like that it was over. The only blood in the room was from the six clumsy attackers.
Jane nodded to Maura and Hugh retreated to protect his Lady, while the veteran killer charged the backroom to rescue the innkeeper and his wife. The dark assassin was too late the older couple lay in a pool of their own blood, their throats cut. Obviously, whoever it had been wanted no witnesses.
***SE***
Maura had never witnessed anything like it. Her quiet young friend had ruthlessly killed four men without really endangering herself. The skill demonstrated in her fighting dispelled any lingering doubts about the veracity of the stories about this thrilling young woman.
Still wielding her knives, her new companion reemerged from the backrooms. The fiery American met hazel eyes with golden green flakes and shook her head from left to right. The young waitress saw this action, released her held breath and collapsed to the floor, crying.
The honey blonde heiress rushed to the sobbing daughter and held her, allowing the orphan to weep deeply into her shoulder. The frightened blonde looked to her new friend and asked, "Are you hurt?"
The wild Texan laughed the laughter of the insane and replied, "Hell no. Those boys war amateurs. I coulda lit Hugh handle 'em, but wars the fun in that?"
Hugh chuckled and interjected with a sense of humor and the knowledge of where his Lady's concerns lay, "I'm fine too, Milady."
The huge bodyguard walked over to the now moaning bully on the floor and smirked, "Ya left this un alive. Ya slippin."
Jane winked, "Dead men don't talk."
***SE***
The three diners accompanied by a still stunned bully and a sober innkeeper's daughter entered the waiting carriage. It had been decided by the two warriors, the man should be questioned after Lady Maura was safely behind friendly walls. Additionally, the young heiress had felt guilty about the plight of the now orphaned child and insisted the child return with her to her manor.
A passerby was ordered on pain of death by the Lady Isles to find the constable and inform him of the carnage in the once quiet tavern.
The carriage ride home was quiet and uneventful. The groggy bully boy stared at Jane in terror. With his hands and legs joined by rope, he had no illusions of escape. All he could do was pray for a peaceful death. He had faced this young woman dressed elegantly in her silk dress and knew the mercilessness within her. The man knew his death was near. He just feared the torture to precede it.
The shaken teenage girl trembled in grief. Her life was forever changed. The quiet comfort she had shared with her parents was no more as they lay in their own blood on the floor of the tavern's kitchen. The young woman had no idea what she was going to do now. The rational youngster knew she could not run the tavern on her own and she had no other family or even a beau.
Maura was determined to do right by the child, who had just lost two parents to a killer, who had targeted her. The honey blonde noblewoman had already decided to make the young orphan her ward and take the young woman under her wing. The fashionable heiress would find someone who could teach the inexperienced waitress how to run her tavern.
Hugh watched the courage drain from their captive as Jane stared ominously at the man. The bodyguard was in awe of the raw passion and honed skill of the young American. The aging bodyguard was not an educated man, but if this was the breed of fighter coming from the American West, then England was soon going to have a military rival.
Jane coldly stared at their prisoner wondering who had dared to try and harm her friend. When that young waitress had told them that someone was going to try and kidnap her Maura, the untamed Texan felt the hand of death squeeze her heart. No one was going to harm her Maura while she could draw a single breathe. This man was going to tell her who was behind this and the cold killer was going to end the threat before she returned to Texas.
***SE***
The lower level of the Isles Manor house was formerly used as a dungeon. It was old, older than the manor house itself. This location had been the location of an ancient Saxon Castle. The castle had been razed and burned centuries earlier. In the reign of the First King George, the manor house had been built using the foundation of ruined castle as its basis.
In recent years, the dungeon had been used as a gaol for offenders of the Lord's justice. In one of the dank cells, Jane and Hugh eyed their prisoner. Jane had changed her clothes and was wearing her deerskins and heavy boots. These were her working clothes and the angry fighter was going to work on getting information.
The wild Texan glared daggers at the man, who would have taken her Maura and said, "Y'all kin talk now and save y'all some pain. No matter to me none which way it be, cause I'll be agiven not ataken the pain. Let me tell y'all sometin though. I learnt how ta torture from the Injuns and I kin make y'all scream at jest the mention of my name.
Now, I's gonna ax one question and iffin y'all answer rat, than I ain't gonna hurtcha. Than we go on to the next question, until's I's satisfied y'all done told me everythin. My friend chere is ta keep me from killin y'all too quick.
Now, y'all should know, y'all war after somebody I loves and I don't take kindly ta that. Iffin y'all don't answer me rat the first time, I'm agonna geld ya. I've gelded many a calf and many a horse. I've only gelded one man afore, so I might've ta've mo than one go at her."
Taking her knife from its scabbard, the hardened Indian fighter started sharpening the blade with a stone until it was could shave a man. Then the vicous interrogator commanded, "Strip off his britches and his underwear."
Jane removed a sharpening stone and two Arkansas toothpicks from a small bag that she had brought from her room. The intimidating Texan sharpened one of the knives with the stone, while saying, "Now, we's gonna axe y'all a question and iffin I don't like the answer, I'm gonna take one of y'all's three danglies."
Using her sharpened blade, the menacing brunette scrapped the inside of the man's thigh shaving the hair without drawing any blood. The feel of the cold sharp steel so close to his manhood made the tough bully whimper. While shaving the inside of the other thigh, the incensed teenager asked, "Who hired y'all?"
The man shivered as the sharp blade skimmed across his inner leg dangerously close to his private parts. The frightened hoodlum replied, "Danny O'Reilly."
The threatening hunter closed in on her quarry, "Now see that warnt too hard. Now, where is this O'Reilly character?"
The terrified tough answered quickly, "Ya kilt him. He wart the first man ya kilt."
Jane cursed the tough break, but in battle most times you can only select targets by opportunity. So, the disappointed American plunged on, "Do y'all know who he worked fer?"
The desperate kidnapper responded, "All's I know's Danny worked fer Patrick Doyle."
Jane wasn't familiar with the name, but Hugh was. He signaled for Jane to join him to talk out of ear shot of the terrified thug. Once Jane and Hugh had convinned at the corner, the big bodyguard said, "Patrick Doyle is loyal to the Lady. He is her head spy. Something else's goin on here. I think we need to talk to Mr. Doyle."
The thoughtful Texan whispered, "Okay, I wont one more shot at him. Then we go talk to this Mr. Doyle."
Once they were back to the captive, Jane asked, "Was Doyle behind this?"
The totally intimidated man, "I don't thin so. I saw 'em get some money from a man in the tavern."
Hoping for some more information, the tough Texan asked, "Ever see this guy afore?"
The shackled man answered, "Yeah,I don't know his name, but he's a Scot that works fer a French trader out of London."
Hugh commented, "I think that's everythin the man knows."
Jane nodded her ascent and plunged her knife into his chest and he sagged into his shackles instantly. The pitiless American cleaned her blade on the dead man's shirt. Hugh said, "That warnt rait. We should've turned 'em over ta Constable."
Jane looked him square in the eye and responded, "We don't gots the time to waste. We gots to talk to Doyle, then we looks fer this guy in London. Hugh, that man war wonted to kilt us and kidnap Maura. Who knows wat they've don to her. I gots no time nor pity fer his kind. Iffin y'all wonts to dance by the bandstand, don't complain bouts gittin hit by the horn."
***SE***
Patrick Doyle was sitting in his office in the office of Isles Shipping in Swansea. The busy Irishman was rarely in his office, but he was preparing for his next trip to France. The veteran spy and smuggler was finding more and more difficult to get in and out of France without the notice of Louis-Napoleon and his supporters. As a result, the cagy mole was studying various inlets and waterways, which might not be too closely guarded.
Doyle had just narrowed the possible sites to three, when his office door burst open and a tall dark haired woman wearing deerskins and holding a hatchet in each of her hands charged into his room. Before the veteran killer could reach his pistol, the tomahawk was sailing through the air and burying itself in his desk inches from his hand.
Seeing the second hatchet readied and not even considering that the first throw was an accident, the savvy smuggler sat back in chair and calmly asked, "Kin I hep ya, Lass?"
At that moment, Lady Maura's bodyguard stepped through the door and closed it behind them. The dangerous looking American said, "That war to git y'all's attention. Iffin, I war y'all, I'd kep me hands war I kin see 'em. I jest might git the notion y'all war areachin fer a gun or sometin and I'd be forced to bury me tomahawk in y'all's head, which'd upset my Maura and I kaint've that."
The concerned father couldn't help but notice the possessiveness shown by this intimidating young woman of his daughter. The calculating spy needed to know more about this untamed warrior, so he asked the big man behind her, "Wat's this all bout, Hugh?"
The large bodyguard replied, "Somebody tried to take Lady Maura at midday today. This is Jane Rizzoli. She stopped 'em."
Jane interrupted and added, "We captured one of the thugs and he named a man who work fer y'all, named 'Danny O'Reilly.' We needs ta know iffin he work fer y'all."
Doyle was now very worried and said, "Sit and rest ya bones. Ya better tell me the whole tale, Lass and don't be leaving out why ya say 'my Maura' and not Lady Isles."
Hugh broke in and said, "They love each other, Mr. Doyle and it be very mutual."
Doyle nodded his understanding and said, "Wal, sit and tell me the tale."
For the next twenty minutes, the two protectors relayed their story, each embellishing the words of the other until the cunning spy knew the entire story. Finally, when the pair had completed the entire picture, Doyle spoke, "I know who's behind this, Baron Jacque Martine. He be Maura's maternal grandfather and a very mean and vicious man. He kint git near her."
Jane was very puzzled and asked, "How y'all know this?"
Doyle replied, "This kint leave this room. Lady Constance don't even know it. Do I have ya word this's between us in this room?"
Both parties nodded their agreement and the terrified father continued, "Maura's me real daughter."
With those words, Patrick Doyle told his sad and weary story of a love that lasted but a moment, but was never forgotten.